Virgin Voyages’ newest adults-only cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, arrived in the U.S. for the first time this week when the vessel docked in New York City.
Brilliant Lady arriving in New York City
Brilliant Lady is the fourth and final vessel in Virgin’s first class of ships. The ship will sail its maiden voyage on September 5 from New York City, a five-night cruise to Bermuda.
Four years ago, Richard Branson helped welcome the cruise line’s very first ship, Scarlet Lady, from these same New York waters with a dream of revolutionizing what it means to cruise with his ingenious kid-free business model.
Brilliant Lady sailing by the Statue of Liberty
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, gave the following statement:
“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships.
“What makes Virgin Voyages so intangibly special is our people. As we entered New York, with our crew and sailors singing as one, it was truly brilliant.”
“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for. Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming, and above all, transformative. What happened today was proof of the profound connections that form when you give people permission to be their authentic selves.
“We built this brand alongside our incredible Crew, and they are the beating heart of why our Sailors fall in love with Virgin Voyages time and time again. This moment perfectly captured the magic that happens when you create space for people to shine exactly as they are, free from judgment and full of possibility.”
After a series of cruises from New York, Brilliant Lady will reposition to Miami for winter cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
In 2026, Brilliant Lady will sail Virgin’s first cruises to Alaska.
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One of the biggest mistakes people make when booking a cruise happens when they choose their cabin. Inexperienced cruisers might assume that cabins are all relatively equal – but that’s rarely the case.
And I’m not talking about cabin categories – of course a suite is going to be better than an inside cabin. This is more about the individual cabins in a class that have some issue or quirk that means you might want to avoid them.
Celebrity Apex might be a beautiful, modern cruise ship but she’s exactly the same – there are cabins to avoid and if you don’t take these into account, you might feel like you’ve wasted your budget.
Celebrity Apex Cabin Types
Before we get into the cabins to avoid, it’s worth understanding the main cabin types you can actually book. And on Celebrity Apex, there are seven core categories.
Cabin type
Sleeps
Size (incl. veranda where applicable)
Inside
2 to 4
181 to 202 sq. ft.
Ocean View
2 to 4
200 sq. ft.
Veranda
2 to 4
242 to 317 sq. ft.
Edge Infinite Veranda
2 to 4
243 sq. ft.
Concierge Class (Infinite Veranda)
2 to 4
243 sq. ft.
AquaClass (Infinite Veranda)
2
243 sq. ft.
Retreat Suites
2 to 6
462 to 2,581 sq. ft.
There’s plenty of choice, as you can tell, and it’s choosing between these categories that’ll have the biggest impact on the cost for your cruise.
So if you’re on a budget, you might be tempted to go for the cheapest inside stateroom you can, but that might not be the right fit for you.
As with any cruise ship, there’s lots of things to consider. So to help, I’ve made a handy checklist that you can use whenever you’re booking a cruise.
This works for any cruise ship, and runs through everything you should be thinking about. You can get it here:
Inside Cabins
Apex’s Inside staterooms are your dark-and-cosy budget option – ideal if you prefer total blackout for sleeping or would rather spend your money on specialty dining than square footage.
Cabins measure between 181 square feet for the smallest up to 202 square feet for the bigger ones, although a handful are wheelchair-accessible at 231 square feet.
Some rooms connect to Sky Suites via a private vestibule, handy if you’re cruising with friends but want separate sleeping spaces. More on those later.
Inside Cabin Grades
Grade
Sleeps
Size (sq ft)
DI – Deluxe Inside
2 to 4
202
I2 – Inside
2
181
DI cabins are the slightly bigger option, and they’re much more prevalent. Be aware that not all can sleep up to 4 guests, so you’ll need to check when booking.
Ocean View Cabins
If you can’t bear a windowless room, Ocean View is the next rung.
These are perfect if you want some natural light, but can’t quite stretch the budget to a Veranda room – or just don’t care about one when you know there are plenty of open deck spaces you can relax.
Ocean View Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps
Size (sq ft)
DO
Deluxe Ocean View
2 to 4
242
PO
Panoramic Ocean View
2 to 4
212
O1
Prime Ocean View
2 to 4
200
O2
Ocean View
2 to 4
200
Standard cabins are 200 square feet with large picture windows; forward Deluxe Ocean Views stretch to 238 square feet thanks to full-height glass.
Unique to the Edge class, Panoramic Ocean View mid-ship cabins swap the usual porthole for floor-to-ceiling glass, giving you widescreen sea views at 212 square feet.
The window doesn’t open, but you get more elbow-room than a standard Ocean View without paying veranda prices.
Veranda Cabins
If you like a proper balcony with separate outdoor space, your options are a little limited on Celebrity Apex and other Edge-class ships. That’s because there’s fewer than 100 of them in total onboard!
Instead, what you’ll get is an Infinite Veranda, instead. This means that the ‘balcony’ area is actually inside your cabin. Like this…
Veranda Grades
Grade
Sleeps
Size incl. veranda (sq. ft.)
E1 – Prime Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda
2 to 4
244
E2 – Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda
2 to 4
244
E3 – Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (Partial View)
2 to 4
244
SV – Sunset View
2 to 4
317
P1 – Deluxe Porthole
2 to 4
242
P2 – Deluxe Porthole
2 to 4
242
Each of these staterooms is a little unique so let me explain more about them…
Deluxe Porthole Staterooms
I think these stateroom names could be a little bit confusing. Normally when you see the word “Porthole” with a cruise cabin, it means an Oceanview room with a (usually small) round window.
But on Celebrity Apex, these are veranda staterooms – just instead of being a big open veranda, it’s a porthole-shaped one, with a round window.
It’s pretty big though, and you do get some nice shelter from the wind. However it’ll also restrict your view a little.
Sunset View Staterooms
The Sunset View Staterooms are all at the aft of the ship, overlooking the wake – and that’s often the view that people say they love the most.
It’s the only Veranda on the ship with a proper, traditional balcony – nothing sheltered, and not an infinite view one.
Because of that, these rooms are popular with those who prefer that experience – and with only six per deck on Decks 7 through 12, there aren’t too many available.
Edge Staterooms with Infinite View
Introduced with the Edge Class, these staterooms make up the bulk of the Veranda category on Celebrity Apex.
Essentially, these rooms bring the Veranda indoors. You still have an area designated as the Veranda space, but it’s just within the main bedroom area near the floor-to-ceiling window.
At the push of a button, the top half of the window slides down, creating an open air space where you can relax and soak up the views.
These staterooms split opinion, but most people like the rooms since you’re essentially getting a bigger stateroom when the window is closed, and then you can just open it up when you want that Veranda feel.
The Prime ones are no larger, they’re just in more desired areas of the ship.
Concierge Class
Concierge Class cabins are essentially an upgraded version of the Infinite Veranda staterooms.
They’re exactly the same size, and they share the same layout too – with the signature floor-to-ceiling window that opens at the push of a button, transforming part of your room into a sunlit veranda.
Think of it as a halfway step between the standard cabins and the AquaClass wellness-focused ones – more attentive service and a few thoughtful extras, but without the spa access or Blu restaurant.
Some of the Concierge Class benefits include:
A dedicated Concierge team to assist with dining, shore excursions, or special occasions
Early embarkation and disembarkation
A welcome bottle of sparkling wine waiting in your room
Daily canapés delivered on request
Priority access to booking dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments
A thicker mattress and enhanced bedding compared to standard cabins
Use of umbrellas and binoculars during the cruise
You’ll also have a Concierge-exclusive embarkation day lunch in the Main Dining Room, which is a nice touch to start your cruise off a little more relaxed and less crowded.
AquaClass is designed for cruisers who want a wellness-focused experience – but without going all the way up to a suite.
Like Concierge Class, the rooms themselves are the same size and layout as an Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, but they come with a more premium feel and a bunch of spa-related extras.
If you enjoy spending time in the spa, want healthier dining options, or just like a more peaceful, retreat-style vibe to your cruise, then AquaClass could be a great fit. The perks aren’t just about convenience – they’re focused on relaxation and wellbeing.
AquaClass guests get:
Unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite – a tranquil space with heated loungers, steam rooms, and various sensory experiences
Exclusive dining in Blu – a dedicated restaurant with a lighter, more health-conscious menu
Upgraded in-room amenities, including a yoga mat, plush robes and slippers, and a daily supply of wellness-focused bottled water and teas
Aromatherapy diffuser in the room (with scent options you can request)
Priority check-in and boarding, plus a personal Spa Concierge to help with bookings
The beds and bedding are slightly enhanced compared to standard cabins, and you also get a little more peace and quiet – AquaClass staterooms are located in quieter areas of the ship, close to the spa and away from the louder public spaces.
All AquaClass rooms are designed for two guests only – so if you’re a family or travelling with a third person, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Overall, AquaClass is a good choice if you’re the kind of person who loves a spa day and would rather dine in a quieter restaurant than fight for space in the buffet.
But if you’re not too fussed about wellness perks or you prefer heartier food and busier areas, then the extra cost may not be worth it.
If you want the most luxurious experience on Celebrity Apex – the kind where you’re treated like royalty from the moment you arrive at the terminal – then The Retreat is where you’ll want to be.
This isn’t just a suite category; it’s an exclusive resort-within-a-resort that gives you access to private spaces, premium perks, and the highest level of service on the ship.
The Retreat is made up of all the suite categories on board, from the entry-level Sky Suites right up to the massive Iconic Suites.
Suite
Code
Sleeps
Size (incl. veranda, sq. ft.)
Sky Suite
AS, S1, SS, MS
3 to 4
462
Celebrity Suite
CS
4
511
Royal Suite
RS
4
759
Edge Villa (duplex)
EV
4
950
Penthouse Suite
PS
6
1,575
Iconic Suite
IC
6
2,581
While the size and layout vary widely (from 462 to over 2,500 square feet), every suite includes access to The Retreat’s special venues and services.
Here’s what you get as a Retreat guest:
Access to The Retreat Sundeck – a private outdoor lounge with pool, hot tub, cabanas, and a bar, exclusively for suite guests
Luminae at The Retreat – an exclusive restaurant serving elevated cuisine, open for all meals and only available to suite guests
The Retreat Lounge – a private indoor space with a personal concierge, complimentary drinks, gourmet snacks, and plenty of quiet seating
A dedicated Retreat Butler – available to help with unpacking, reservations, room service (from any restaurant), and anything else you might need
Premium drinks, premium WiFi, tips, and onboard credit – all included in the fare
The suites themselves come with all the expected luxuries: king-size Cashmere™ mattresses, large bathrooms (many with soaking tubs or spa-style showers), expansive verandas, and plenty of extra living space – especially in the top-tier categories like the Edge Villas and Iconic Suites.
Even if you never leave your suite, you’ll still feel like you’ve had a special cruise. But if you do want to explore the ship, you’ll be doing it with the best possible support, and access to some of the most exclusive venues on board.
Just be aware – you’re paying premium prices here. So while the experience is easily among the best at sea, it’s really only worth it if you’ll take advantage of what The Retreat offers -especially the sun deck and dining options.
Otherwise, a regular Infinite Veranda or AquaClass cabin might suit your style (and budget) a bit better.
Celebrity Apex has a good selection of accessible staterooms across a range of categories, including Inside, Ocean View, Infinite Veranda, and even some Suites. These cabins are thoughtfully designed with wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, ramped thresholds, and more open floor space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre comfortably.
Some even include automated doors that open with the wave of your keycard, which is a nice touch you don’t often see on other cruise lines. Veranda cabins also have accessible balcony access, so you don’t miss out on the sea views.
As you might expect, these rooms are limited in number and tend to book up quickly, so if you need one, it’s best to book early. And if you don’t require an accessible cabin, avoid reserving one – it helps ensure that those who genuinely need the extra space can get it.
Cabins You Should Avoid
There’s no real ‘bad’ cabins on a ship as nice as Celebrity Apex. But depending on the type of cruise you like to enjoy, some cabins aren’t going to be the best fit.
So these are the cabins you should consider avoiding, depending on what you want from a cruise.
1. Deck 3 Rooms If You’re Sensitive To Noise
One of the more recurring issues I’ve seen when researching the cabins to avoid on Celebrity Apex – and indeed any of the Edge-class ships – is the noise that can impact the cabins on Deck 3.
Deck 3 is the lowest deck on the ship to have staterooms. But then Decks 4 and 5 don’t have staterooms. In fact, Deck 4 is one of the busiest spaces on the ship.
It’s where you’ll find the theatre, the Club, shops, the casino, some speciality restaurants and more.
That’s a lot of features that can generate a lot of noise for the cabins below. Obviously it’s muffled, but if you’re sensitive to sound then you might struggle to tune it out.
Best to book elsewhere if you can.
2. Rooms Directly Above The Theatre
6101 to 6127
Another area of the ship where noise may be an issue is directly above the theatre.
While the soundproofing on Celebrity Apex is generally decent, live shows can be quite loud – especially during evening performances when the bass and music really kick in.
If you’re an early sleeper, or you just prefer a quiet wind-down in your room, you might find the rumble of the sound system seeping through the floor a bit disruptive.
The noise usually stops by around 11 pm, but if you like an early night or you’re travelling with young children, it’s probably worth choosing a cabin a little further back on the ship – or on a different deck altogether.
3. Infinite Veranda Staterooms (If You Want A Proper Balcony)
At first glance, the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda looks like a game-changer – and for many cruisers, it is.
These cabins are modern, stylish, and make clever use of space by integrating the balcony into the room itself.
But here’s the thing – it’s not a traditional balcony. There’s no sliding glass door to separate the inside from the outside.
Instead, there’s a pair of bi-fold doors you can close if you want to mimic the balcony feel, but they don’t insulate sound or temperature in quite the same way. That means you’re not getting a true outdoor space – it’s more of an indoor sunroom with a window that opens.
If you love sitting outside with the breeze in your hair, or you enjoy spending quiet evenings on a private balcony watching the sea, you might find the Infinite Veranda a bit underwhelming.
For that classic balcony experience, you’re better off booking a Sunset Veranda cabin instead – they have proper outdoor space with deeper balconies, and arguably the best views on the ship.
It’s also worth mentioning that while the Infinite Veranda windows generally work well, there have been occasional reports of them getting stuck, either open or closed, due to mechanical faults.
It’s not a common issue, but it can be frustrating if you’re relying on the breeze – or trying to keep it out.
4. Staterooms Directly Below The Pool Deck
12123 to 12182
Another spot to be cautious of when picking your cabin is anywhere directly underneath the pool deck, especially on Deck 12, just below the Resort Deck.
The problem here isn’t constant noise, but rather the kind that can catch you off guard – early morning scraping and dragging sounds, usually from sun loungers being rearranged or crew setting up for the day.
It’s not every hour of the day, but if you’re someone who likes a lie-in or you’re a light sleeper, it can be a bit jarring to wake up to the sound of metal furniture being shifted right above your head.
On sunny sea days, there can also be a bit of foot traffic noise – sandals slapping across the deck, kids running, the occasional dropped drink – all of which you’ll hear more clearly if your cabin is directly below.
If peace and quiet are high on your priority list, you’re usually better off choosing a cabin one or two decks lower, away from the overhead activity.
It’s not all of Deck 12 that has this issue, just this area:
5. The Worse Rooms For Seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, your cabin location can make a huge difference to how comfortable your cruise feels – especially on sea days when the ship is moving at full speed or if the weather turns.
The worst place to be is high up, far forward, or far aft – essentially, any area where the ship’s movement is most pronounced.
On Celebrity Apex, that means you’ll want to avoid cabins right at the front or back of Decks 11 and 12 in particular.
In rougher seas, the forward end of the ship tends to pitch (move up and down), and the aft can experience a side-to-side swaying motion.
Combine that with the extra elevation of the higher decks, and you’ll feel the movement a lot more than you would lower down.
If you know you’re sensitive to motion, the best option is to choose a cabin that’s:
On a lower deck (Deck 6 or 7 is ideal)
Located midship, where the movement is most stable
Preferably in an Ocean View or Veranda cabin, so you can see the horizon – which can really help settle your stomach
6. Small Inside Cabins
There are two types of Inside Cabin on Celebrity Apex – a standard Inside, and a Deluxe Inside.
The standard Insides are smaller, and only designed for two people. They aren’t tiny – there are definitely smaller cabins on other ships and cruise lines – but space is a little limited. If you like having a bit of floorspace then I would avoid these.
The regular Inside Staterooms only sleep two guests, but some of the Deluxe Insides have a maximum capacity of four – and I would say these are actually worse if you’re planning on travelling with four of you.
Four guests in a Deluxe Insides will definitely feel cramped and I would be looking for at least an Oceanview, if not a Veranda Stateroom.
7. Connecting Staterooms
Obviously, booking connecting staterooms is a good idea if you want both of the rooms. That’s the point.
Connecting staterooms, if you weren’t aware, are those that have an adjoining door. Book both together and you can have that door unlocked, essentially turning two smaller rooms into one.
The reason that these are cabins to avoid is the same on any cruise ship – an adjoining door is never as soundproof as a regular wall. And so if you’re only booking one of the connecting rooms, you’re not going to have the same privacy.
You’ll hear your neighbours. And they’ll hear you.
If you’re only booking one stateroom then I would definitely make sure to choose one that doesn’t have a connecting door, where possible.
‘Bad’ Rooms You Don’t Need To Worry About
If you’re someone who likes to browse the deck plans and check out your cabin options, you might spot a couple on Celebrity Apex that could give you cause for concern – but actually they aren’t too bad.
These two cabin types are both related to the Magic Carpet, and I would say these aren’t cabins you need to avoid…
1. Magic Carpet Sky Suites
The Magic Carpet Sky Suites are some of the smaller suite options on the ship, and they get their name from the fact that their balcony faces out to where the Magic Carpet platform lives on the ship.
The Magic Carpet platform serves several purposes, including being used as a tender platform and a bar/dining venue. It moves up and down the side of the ship, right past the Magic Carpet Sky Suites.
But it never moves with people onboard, and it doesn’t move up and down constantly throughout the day.
Apparently it does cause a little bit of noise when it moves, but it’s minor – and it doesn’t really block your view either.
So you don’t need to worry about a lack of privacy or a seriously restricted view with these suites. They’re actually a pretty good option – and it’s kind of cool to see the platform move from your room.
2. Obscured View Rooms Either Side of the Magic Carpet
The Infinite Veranda staterooms that sit either side of the Magic Carpet are classed as obstructed view. That’s because those Magic Carpet Sky Suites protrude from the ship a little, meaning you do have an obscured view on one side.
You might also have a support beam below you window but it’s not going to be a major obstruction again – and overall these rooms have a great view.
It’s personal preference and maybe you insist on a completely unspoiled view, but honestly these cabins aren’t that bad and so I wouldn’t worry if you book one of these. You’ll still have an amazing view.
I mention these rooms in this video of mine:
Final Word
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Celebrity Apex – it’s a modern, thoughtfully designed ship with some of the most innovative staterooms at sea. But depending on your preferences for peace and quiet, balcony style, or how well you handle motion, some cabins will definitely suit you better than others.
A lot of the insights here come from digging into cruise forums, Facebook groups, and Apex-specific reviews – and if you’re still unsure about a particular cabin, those are great places to ask questions.
Even considering her relatively young age, there’s nearly always someone who’s stayed in the exact room you’re looking at, and people are usually happy to share tips or even photos of their stay.
And don’t forget to check the Celebrity Apex deck plans before you book – it’s well worth taking a couple of minutes to see what’s above, below, and around your cabin. It could be the difference between a perfect night’s sleep and a frustrating one.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Celebrity Cruises opened priority bookings today for their new river cruise line that launches in 2027. Due to unprecedented demand, early access to Celebrity River Cruises 2027 sailings sold out in just a couple hours.
Celebrity River Cruises will consist of a fleet of 10 river ships and even though priority booking access is sold out, remaining 2027 inventory will open to the general public later this month.
The cruise line has announced 33 week-long cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers that will take guest through the heart of Europe.
The following is included in all cruise fares on Celebrity River Cruises:
All dining
All drinks
WiFi
A shore excursion in every port
Here is a first look at these new river cruise ships from Celebrity River Cruises.
Celebrity River Cruises exterior aft view with a pool
Here’s a look at a couple of the public spaces on board Celebrity River Cruises.
Celebrity River Cruises LoungeCelebrity River Cruises Cafe Al Bacio
Celebrity River Cruises will offer a variety of staterooms to choose from that include traditional balconies, infinite balcony, river view and suites.
Infinite BalconyCelebrity River Cruises Balcony Stateroom Exterior ViewCelebrity River Cruises River View StateroomCelebrity River Cruises Vista Balcony Suite Exterior ViewCelebrity River Cruises Vista Balcony Suite Bathroom
Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club members’ loyalty tiers extend to river vacations, giving guests access to new and different rewards, recognition, and elevated experiences from ship to shore.
Members can earn 8 to 18 points per night on river vacations, with more details on tier benefits to be shared in 2026.
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, gave the following statement:
“Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations.
“With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships.”
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Whether it’s your first time at sea or your fiftieth, your cruise cabin can still hold a few surprises.
These compact spaces are clever, quirky, and full of little tricks – some obvious, some not so much.
Trust me – if you don’t make the most of some of these features, you’re missing out on some classic cruise experiences.
1. The Walls Are Metal – and It’s a Game-Changer
Cruise cabin walls (and doors) are typically made of steel, which means they’re magnetic. With the help of a few strong magnetic hooks you can instantly declutter.
I use hooks to hang lanyards, jackets, beach bags, even wet swimwear near the bathroom. Clip up your daily schedules, shore excursion tickets, spa appointments, or invitation slips so they’re always in view.
A small whiteboard with a magnetic back is also great for leaving messages for cabinmates, especially when you’re a family who might be splitting up throughout the day for different activities.
2. Storage Is Hiding in Plain Sight
Cabins may be small, but they’re designed with storage in mind – if you know where to look.
There’s usually a decent amount of space beneath the bed (high enough to fit full-size suitcases), but also check:
Behind or beside mirrors (some open like cabinets)
Tuck away snorkel gear, bulky shoes, wine bottles, or travel laundry bags. If you’re travelling light, you can even pack into collapsible cubes and keep them in drawers without fully unpacking.
3. Your Cabin Lights Might Drive You Mad
Lighting varies wildly between ships.
Newer ahips often add LED night lights along the floor, but be warned… On Carnival, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line’s newer ships, the night lights have all sparked complaints for being too bright at night and waking everyone up when one person visits the bathroom, or even rolls over in bed!
You can pack tape or stickers to cover the sensors, or ask your cabin steward to do it for you. That’s what happened on my cruise on Sun Princess. Barely any sleep on the first night – but lots after that!
You may want to bring a clip-on book light or battery-powered nightlight if you want to read in bed without waking others.
I sometimes pack battery operated tealights – these are handy to keep in the bathroom, especially if you have an inside cabin and your choice is total darkness or one bright light!
4. The Bathroom Fan Isn’t the Best
Most cruise ship bathrooms don’t have very strong extractor fans. The result? Steam lingers, and let’s just say… other scents do too. A little preparation goes a long way.
Bring a hanging car air freshener (ocean breeze is better than new car smell), a travel-sized odour spray, or a few drops of essential oil on a flannel in the bin.
Just don’t bring candles or incense – open flames are strictly prohibited and will likely be confiscated during luggage checks.
Also handy? Suction cup hooks for towels or a toothbrush holder for keeping counters tidy, especially if you’re sharing with family.
Most standard cabins come with two twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen.
You’ll choose your setup at booking, but if it’s wrong when you arrive, your steward can fix it quickly. They might even suggest alternate layouts to free up walking space.
The side tables can usually be moved too, as can furniture items like coffee tables and armchairs.
I’ve even heard of people asking their cabin stewards to remove these to free up space. If you have a travel cot for your baby this may be worth doing. Otherwise, you’ll probably find that it blocks access to somwehere crucial, like your balcony or the fridge!
6. You Might Create A Wind Tunnel!
Leaving your balcony door open while your cabin door is also ajar might seem harmless… until you create a full-blown wind tunnel.
It’s not just a breeze – it can slam doors, scatter paperwork, and even knock over light items.
Secure loose items and consider using zippered pouches or magnets for receipts, daily planners, or tour tickets. It only takes one gust to send your “Meet at the pier” sheet sailing under the bed.
And generally, don’t have both doors open. If you’re leaving your cabin, close the balcony door first.
7. The Tap Water Is Safe to Drink
You might be tempted to buy bottled water packages, but honestly, the tap water in your cabin is completely safe. It’s desalinated, filtered, tested regularly, and often the same water you’re served at bars or in restaurants.
That being said, it won’t be the coldest when it comes out of the tap in your room. It’s OK for those middle-of-the-night sips for a dry throat, but during the day you’ll be better served going to find a chilled water fountain to top up a reusable bottle that you should bring.
You’ll save money, reduce plastic waste, and always have cold water for excursions. Some travellers swear that the water in the bathroom tastes different than the bar water. It’s just the pipes.
8. Some Cabins Are Better… Without Being More Expensive
You don’t need to book a suite for a brilliant room. Some “hump cabins” – those on the outward curve of the ship – have larger balconies and better angles, but are priced as standard.
Likewise, aft corner cabins (especially on older ships) can come with wraparound balconies that feel almost penthouse-like. Look out for forward-facing oceanview cabins too – they’re often oddly shaped, oversized, and offer panoramic views through large windows.
These gems go quickly, so research your ship’s deck plans and book early if you want a hidden treasure.
9. Plug Options Are Often Limited
Don’t expect a wall of sockets. On some older ships you might only get a couple to use, and the type will vary depending on the cruise line too.
It’s best to bring a universal adapter and ideally, a non-surge protected power strip (cruise lines ban surge-protected ones due to fire risk).
A USB hub is also handy, as many newer cabins have USB ports in lamps or at the desk – rarely by the bed.
If you use a CPAP machine or medical device, let the cruise line know in advance and they’ll often provide an extension cord and distilled water, though you might need to pay for the water.
10. Cabin Location Matters More Than You Think
Choosing a cabin near the lifts might seem smart until you hear people chatting outside at midnight.
Likewise, anything directly beneath the buffet or pool deck can mean early wake-up calls thanks to chair scraping or trolleys rolling.
Best choices for quiet? Mid-ship, a few decks below the pool, away from high-traffic areas. And if you get motion sick easily, mid-ship and lower decks are also more stable in rough seas.
On modern ships, the in-room TV isn’t just for old sitcoms and muster videos.
Many now let you:
View your onboard spending
Order room service
Browse the day’s schedule
Stream from your own device (on some lines, via HDMI)
It’s worth checking on day one so you don’t miss handy features like ordering breakfast from bed with the click of a remote.
If I have an inside cabin, I like to set the TV to show the ship’s camera, and it’s like having a window!
And you’ll definitely want to keep tabs on that spend account. I reckon it’s around 1 in 4 cruises that I’ve been on where I’ve had incorrect charges added to my account!
12. You Can Bring Handy Home Comforts
A few familiar items from home can make your space far more functional.
Consider packing:
A hanging toiletry or shoe organiser (for the bathroom door)
Over-door hooks (for extra hanging space)
Wooden pegs (to clip curtains shut)
A collapsible laundry basket or dry bag
A travel coffee mug (great for keeping drinks hot or bringing poolside cocktails to your balcony)
It’s the little things that turn a cabin from a hotel room into your home for the week.
13. Your Cabin Steward Can Do a Lot!
Your steward can often provide more than just clean towels.
Ask if you’d like:
Extra hangers
A mattress topper for added comfort
Additional pillows or a different pillow type
Bath mats for beside the bed (handy for keeping sand off sheets)
The minibar emptied so you can use the fridge for snacks or medication
Ice delivered daily (or not at all)
They want to make your stay comfortable. A friendly chat early on makes a huge difference – and a little tip mid-way through doesn’t hurt either.
Cruise cabins might look simple, but there’s a surprising amount of functionality hidden in every corner.
With a bit of planning, a few gadgets from home, and a cabin steward on your side, you can enjoy a more comfortable, organised, and relaxed space at sea.
Cruising is all about the experience – but it starts with making your cabin work for you.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
When planning a cruise vacation, most of us focus on the fun part—incredible food, sunny excursions, and relaxing days at sea. But what about when things don’t go according to plan?
After all, no one plans to get sick or have a flight canceled during the trip. That’s where travel insurance can make all the difference.
A recent cruiser shared their experience on Reddit after a sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and their story highlights why having the right insurance plan can be practically a necessity.
A Medical Surprise Onboard
The cruise traveler’s post began by saying, “As people do ask about travel insurance, let me share my experience from last week’s Oasis cruise. As my wife and I travel multiple times a year, I purchased Allianz’s annual plan, as trip details crystallize, you simply enter details on the app.”
While on the cruise, the traveler faced an unexpected medical issue. Like many cruise passengers learn, visiting the ship’s doctor isn’t covered directly by health insurance, and the bill had to be paid out of pocket.
A basic doctor’s visit on the ship cost $260.
After exams and treatment, the total came to about $350.
Their regular health insurer was unclear whether they would reimburse the costs.
Instead of worrying, the Royal Caribbean passenger simply snapped photos of the receipts and medical notes and uploaded them through Allianz’s mobile app, which was included in their annual travel insurance plan.
“Once in my cabin, I took a picture of the bill and doctor’s statement, proof of payment and uploaded onto the app,” the passenger said.
Flight Trouble in Miami
The flight home turned out to be a problem as well. Their return flight on Delta was canceled, leaving them stranded in Miami overnight. While Delta provided a hotel room and some food vouchers, more unexpected costs piled up:
Extra taxi fares
An additional night of dog boarding
Miscellaneous travel expenses
Again, everything was documented with receipts and logged in the Allianz app.
The Results? Full Reimbursement
Within just two days, the travel insurance provider approved all of the claims. On the very next day, a direct deposit arrived covering 100% of the expenses, both medical and travel related.
For travelers who wonder if insurance is worth it, to this cruiser it’s a big, resounding ‘yes’.
Other Passengers Chime In
Several comments on the social media post also shared their positive experiences with Allianz’s annual plans. Many noted that an annual plan often costs less than buying cruise line insurance per trip, especially for families or frequent travelers.
They also pointed out that coverage is usually wider and more flexible than insurance offered directly by the cruise line, with claims processed quickly.
The original poster confirmed that they purchased the Prime Tier Plan from Allianz. According to the Allianze website this tier plan offers “protection for a year’s worth of trips, including benefits for trip cancellation and trip interruption, lost/stolen or delayed baggage, and more.”
A Final Piece of Advice
One additional tip shared in the thread: always fly in the day before your cruise. In this traveler’s case, the outbound flight was delayed after the pilot failed a sobriety test, causing a four-hour wait for a replacement pilot.
If they had flown on the day of the cruise, they would’ve barely made it onboard—or possibly missed the ship entirely.
Bottom Line
So, let this be yet another reminder to any cruise traveler. While no one books a vacation expecting emergencies, having a reliable travel insurance policy plan can mean the difference between stress and success.
And hopefully you never actually need that insurance, but for frequent cruisers, the peace of mind alone is often worth the cost.
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Royal Caribbean is introducing a new policy aimed at reducing frustration around its popular speciality dining venues.
Soon, guests who book a table but fail to turn up will face a no-show fee.
The cruise line confirmed the change in a notice to travel agents, explaining that the charge is designed to ensure more guests have the opportunity to enjoy these limited-capacity restaurants.
Reservations for venues such as Izumi or the new Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas often sell out well in advance, particularly on formal nights or during holiday sailings.
The fee is intended to discourage passengers from making reservations they do not intend to keep, which can leave other diners disappointed.
By encouraging guests to honour their bookings, Royal Caribbean hopes to improve the overall experience and keep its most in-demand venues accessible.
How the Fee Will Work
Details of the exact charge have not yet been released. It could take the form of a set penalty in addition to the standard dining price, or it may be a percentage of the restaurant’s cover charge, with a 50% fee a likely possibility.
At present, Royal Caribbean allows free cancellations for speciality restaurants up to four days before embarkation, or anytime onboard if cancelled more than 24 hours in advance.
Within 24 hours, a minimum $10 charge applies. The new policy will tighten these rules further.
There will, however, be two exemptions.
Guests who have already purchased a Dining Package, as well as those booked in Star Class suites, will not face the no-show fee.
It remains unclear whether newly purchased dining packages will also qualify for exemption.
Why No-Shows Matter
Although it may seem harmless for a few tables to go unused, speciality restaurants operate with very limited seating and precise timings.
Venues featuring entertainment alongside the meal, such as live music or theatrical hibachi cooking, cannot easily replace missing diners once service has begun.
Unclaimed reservations disrupt staff preparation and prevent other guests from enjoying the experience.
With thousands of passengers onboard, even a small number of no-shows can mean dozens of disappointed diners.
Ultimately, the new policy is designed not as a punishment but as an incentive for guests to cancel in good time if their plans change.
Doing so keeps the system fairer for everyone and helps ensure Royal Caribbean’s most sought-after dining options remain accessible.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Carnival Cruise Line, traditionally one of the most family-friendly cruise lines in the world, is offering a series of adults-only cruises on a handful of its ships.
The sailings are called SEA sailings, which stands for Sailings Exclusively for Adults, and there are a limited number of itineraries available for guests aged 21 and over.
Making the Most of Unexpected Availability
The SEA sailings were announced as a result of two ships in the fleet needing to reschedule their planned dry dock renovations, after schedule clashes.
With both Carnival Magic and Carnival Conquest now having unexpected downtime, the cruise line announced that it intended to use those windows to try out something different – with itineraries also announced for a couple of other ships.
“The adults-only cruises are a result of scheduling conflicts with planned dry docks for some ships, and Carnival decided to fill those slots with casino-themed events,”
Carnival statement
Rather than offer them as regular cruises, they have instead been marketed more to members of the Carnival Players Club, the cruise line’s casino loyalty programme.
This makes sense, since the cruise line can hope to bring as many of these guests onto the cruise, who have a habit of being some of the highest-spending Carnival guests, maximising the revenue for these unusual sailings.
To support this, the cruise line has made some changes to the casino rules onboard for these sailings, extending the hours of opening, increasing the number of tournaments, and hosting themed casino parties.
More crew will be employed on the bars as well, so that guests can be served drinks faster, and wait staff will be able to deliver drinks to casino players to ensure they make the most of their time at the machines or tables.
The cruise line has confirmed that they will not be transitioning to an adults-only cruise line in the future, something which brand ambassador John Heald has reiterated.
There will also be some additional perks offered to guests during these cruises, depending on their VIFP loyalty status, which may include up to $150 in onboard credit, free WiFi packages, or gifts in their stateroom.
Itinerary Options Explored
There are only a limited number of SEA cruises available with Carnival, since they are replacing the previously-scheduled dry dock windows.
Carnival Conquest is offering the following SEA cruises, all from Miami:
22nd August 2025 – 9-night Southern Caribbean cruise
31st August 2025 – 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise
12th September 2025 – 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise
21st September 2025 – 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise
5th January 2026 – 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise
17th January 2026 – 13-night Southern Caribbean cruise
Carnival Magic’s SEA cruises from Miami are:
18th October 2025 – 7-night Bahamas cruise including Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay
25th October 2025 – 7-night Bahamas cruise including Celebration Key
1st November 2026 – 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise including Half Moon Cay
Carnival Glory will also offer two SEA cruises:
2nd March 2026 – 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral
10th March 2026 – 15-night Transatlantic cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona
And Carnival Dream will offer two SEA cruises from Galveston, Texas:
7th February 2026 – 8-night Western Caribbean cruise
16th February 2026 – 15-night Transatlantic cruise to Barcelona
Booking Your Place
While Carnival has been reaching out to Carnival Players Club members to offer them places on the SEA cruises, you don’t need to wait for an invite if you’re interested.
Carnival cruisers can visit the Carnival website, register for an account (or login if they already have one) and then there’s a section on deals for “Exclusive Adults-Only Cruises” where they can find more information and book a cabin onboard.
While Carnival continues to create new ships packed with family-friendly features, and is offering reassurances that it will never become an adults-only cruise line, it’ll be interesting to see how popular these cruises are.
If they make a lot of money for the cruise line, then occasional SEA sailings could become a regular part of the schedule.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Royal Caribbean is making a change at all specialty restaurants on every cruise ship in their fleet.
Lincoln Park Supper Club on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas.
Due to some guests reserving specialty dining times and not showing up, Royal Caribbean is going to start charging a fee for all no-shows.
The cruise line said that this change will help preserve seats for those who are eager to dine at a specialty restaurant.
This new update was announced in the weekly email to travel agents this afternoon. The email said the following:
“We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet. Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options. By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience.”
This update does have two exemptions. Guests who have an existing dining package or those who are booked in a Star Class suite will have be charged for no-showing at specialty restaurants.
Giovanni’s, a specialty restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, features outdoor seating overlooking the Boardwalk.
Cruise Fever has reached out to Royal Caribbean about this change and will update this article when we hear back.
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ABOUT ME Hi! I’m Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
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Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced the Company’s newest, cutting-edge vessel, Norwegian Aqua™, has completed her first sailing to the island paradise of Bermuda from her new seasonal homeport of New York City.
Through October 2025, Norwegian Aqua will offer round-trip five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda’s West End at the Royal Naval Dockyard with the convenience of sailing from Manhattan. Guests aboard these fun-in-the-sun itineraries will have the freedom and flexibility to design the cruise vacation of their dreams with more variety of onboard and shoreside experiences.
“We’re thrilled to have had Norwegian Aqua kick off her voyages from New York City this past week,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “New York is an incredibly important market for us, so we’re excited to showcase our newest ship from here. We look forward to our guests enjoying all the onboard experiences Norwegian Aqua has to offer with their loved ones before relaxing on the pink sandy beaches and dipping into the clear blue waters of Bermuda.”
Aboard Norwegian Aqua’s sailings from New York, guests can spend a few days at sea exploring the ship’s standout features like the longest and fastest slides at sea; the Aqua Slidecoaster, a thrilling hybrid waterslide and roller coaster; the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor; and the Aqua Game Zone, a multi-generational gaming venue filled with retro arcade games and new-age virtual reality experiences. For those seeking a more relaxing onboard experience, Norwegian Aqua boasts an expanded pool deck and Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor sundeck equipped with loungers, cabanas, hot tubs and the venue’s own private bar. Additionally, guests can revel in a wide array of treatments at the Mandara Spa and Salon as well as the rejuvenating Thermal Suite, the forward-facing relaxation area featuring heated loungers, a variety of saunas and sensory experiences all with expansive views of the ocean.
With more time in port and overnight stays in Bermuda, guests can experience coastal adventures and activities by day, all before returning to the ship to dine at one of the 17 onboard culinary venues or for vibrant nightlife performances, like “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” an immersive theatrical concert experience created in-house to honor the multi-Grammy® Award-nominated and winner, or “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced version of NCL’s top-rated show, inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire and water.
Following her New York City sailings and just in time to beat the winter blues, Norwegian Aqua will travel to Miami to sail four, five and seven-day Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from October 2025 through April 2026. Throughout these voyages, Norwegian Aqua will visit NCL’s quintessential private island in the Bahamas and one of the Company’s top guest-rated Caribbean destinations, Great Stirrup Cay, which features white sandy beaches with countless loungers for optimal sun bathing; a wide variety of oceanside cabanas for privacy including luxurious villas in Silver Cove, the island’s private retreat area; multiple bars for fresh mojitos and margaritas; and an array of activities for every type of beachgoer such as paddleboarding, ziplining, and kayaking. In late 2025, the island will debut a new multi-ship pier, a 28,000-square-foot heated pool, welcome center and kids’ splash pad as well as even more enhancements including a new waterpark coming in summer 2026. In 2026, Norwegian Aqua will return to New York City for an extended season of Bermuda sailings from April 2026 to October 2026 offering guests more opportunities to embark on their dream vacation.
For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL’s fleet, guests can take advantage of 50% off all cruises for a limited time plus More At Sea™ which provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high- speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call for the first guest. More At Sea™ delivers guests incredible value with savings of over $2,000. For more details on NCL’s new More At Sea offering, visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/more-at-sea.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
